FEATURED ARTIST: AUDRA MCLAUGHLIN

We’re really excited to feature the incredibly talented country singer/songwriter, Audra McLaughlin, who gained international recognition on NBC’s The Voice. Her powerhouse vocals took her all the way through to the end of the season on Team Blake where the world fell in love with her. Not only does Audra have an amazing voice, she is an amazing person inside and out. We are proud to have her passion and voice stand up to bullying with Team Free2Luv.

It was awesome to catch up with Audra and learn more about her passion to end bullying and help youth who are going through a difficult time. Audra speaks candidly about her own struggles with bullying and it is our hope that her powerful words will touch anyone struggling and remind them that they are amazing just as they are. Thank you for being YOU, Audra!

What are your top 3 favorite songs?

That is a tough question because I have many favorite songs but if I had to pick 3 that helped me through some tough times I would pick – 1) Mariah Carey- Through The Rain 2) Lee Ann Womack- I hope you Dance 3) Miley Cyrus- The Climb

If you could travel into any musical time or place, where would you go and why?

The musical time I would travel to would be either the late 60’s or 70’s. The place I would love to travel back in time to would be Woodstock 1969. I would have loved to be there. I have always been a huge music fan; some of my favorite acts include Led Zeppelin, Janis Joplin, and Jefferson Airplane. I also love the styles of clothing in the 70s as well. I like that a lot of the clothing styles are making their way back like hot pants and high-waisted shorts.

If you could invite 5 people to dinner (present or past) who would they be?

That’s a hard question but…. I would have to say

Elvis

Taylor Swift

Robert Plant

Martina McBride

Wynonna Judd

Do you have any hidden talents, hobbies or interests?

I love the History Channel, documentaries, concerts, swimming, museums, the beach, water parks, roller coasters and traveling.

What is your favorite highlight/moment in your music career thus far?

The first time I stepped on NBC’s “The Voice” Stage. That moment was life-changing for me. It has made all my dreams come true thus far. It gave me an amazing platform for my career.

What song best describes the soundtrack of your life?

The Climb by Miley Cyrus and Fly by Maddie & Tae – Both amazing songs about not giving up on your dreams even though it might get tough sometimes … Keep reaching for the stars and your time will come.

What’s your favorite part of performing?

My favorite part of performing is when my fans tell me I have inspired them to follow their dreams. It also warms my heart when my fans have told me that my songs have helped them through a tough time in their lives ….that is definitely one of my favorite parts … Inspiring and making a positive difference in others’ lives, that is truly priceless to me.

What’s your ‘go to’ shower song?

Shake It Off- Taylor Swift

What message do you want to share through your music?

The message I would love to share through my music is that you can do anything you put your mind to … I love singing and performing and it is all I wanted to do growing up. I want to send positive and inspiring messages through my music and of course I love writing about different things I have been through that I hope others can relate to.

What would you say to someone going through a rough time?

I would make sure to tell them how important they are and what a wonderful person they are. If they are being severely bullied I would encourage them to tell someone that can get involved and take action. Everyone deserves equal treatment. I have found that the best way to help someone going through a tough time is just being there for them and listening to them. I am sure they have heard “Things get better in time” or “Time heals all wounds” but to be honest in that moment you don’t feel like things will get better. Listen to them and give them pep talks. No one should be afraid to walk out of their house or go to school. I would remind them that they are perfect just the way they are and not to let anyone tell them otherwise. I would tell them to keep following their dreams. There will always be people that try and bring you down but remember that you can do anything you want in life, don’t give up on what you believe in and remember to help others along the way. My Grand pop always told me to be kind to everyone I meet because you never know what someone is going through.

If you had only 5 minutes to perform one song that could leave a great impact on the world today, what song would you perform and why?

Warrior by Demi Lovato … warrior is about making it through your struggles although you have been through so much. It’s your song to let people know that you are strong enough to make it through anything.

Just for fun … fill in the blanks!

Without music, I would be lost.

Music is my soul.

My heroes are my parents.

Life is full of many different moments, feelings, adventures, and ups and downs.

How are you rocking your voice for good?

I am rocking my voice for good to spread positive messages through my music and being able to inspire others to join Free2Luv. I want to help as many people as I can through music; I am honored to be rocking my voice for a good cause.